A former chairman of the Camden County Republican Committee, Hanson served as deputy mayor of Audubon from 1997 until 2001. He worked as chief financial officer for the Camden County Visiting Nurse and Health Association until 1998, when he joined the administration of then-Gov. Christine Todd Whitman as senior vice president of strategic initiatives for the N.J. Department of Commerce.

He was appointed as the DRPA’s CFO in 2004, after two years of being a member of the board of commissioners.

“John Hanson has done an outstanding job administering the authority’s finances,” said DRPA Vice Chairman Jeff Nash in a statement. “His efforts at debt restructuring have earned the respect of Wall Street, and his leadership in improving management efficiencies through the use of Lean Six Sigma has earned the respect of DRPA employees. The authority is in capable hands.”

According to the DRPA, PATCO General Manager John Rink will serve as acting president of the rail line until the board appoints a permanent DRPA CEO/PATCO president.

Matheussen, 60, of Washington Township, will leave his post at the DRPA on Friday at 5 p.m. to accept a judgeship on New Jersey Superior Court. The New Jersey Senate confirmed Matheussen’s nomination to the bench on Monday evening.

“While I’m looking forward an exciting new chapter in my career, this is a bittersweet departure after nearly 11 years,” said Matheussen who was appointed CEO in April 2003. “Leading the authority hasn’t always been easy, but it has never been boring. And I am privileged to have worked with so many dedicated, talented people.”

Before leading the DRPA, the Republican represented the Fourth Legislative District in the state Senate for about a decade. He is a former partner in the law firm of Dilworth Paxon LLP in Philadelphia.

As chief financial officer, Hanson receives an annual salary of $180,000. His salary will remain the same during his tenure as acting CEO. Matheussen’s annual salary as CEO is $220,000.